CHAPTER 7

Proverbs 7:1-27 . The subject continued, by a delineation of the arts of strange women, as a caution to the unwary.

1-4. Similar calls ( Proverbs 3:1-3 , 4:10 , &c.).

2. apple . . . eye--pupil of eye, a custody ( Proverbs 4:23 ) of special value.

3. Bind . . . fingers--as inscriptions on rings.

5. The design of the teaching (compare Proverbs 2:16 , 6:24 ).

6. For--or, "Since," introducing an example to illustrate the warning, which, whether a narrative or a parable, is equally pertinent.
window--or, "opening"
looked--literally, "watched earnestly" ( Judges 5:28 ).
casement--or, "lattice."

7. simple--as in Proverbs 1:4 .
void of, &c.--(Compare Proverbs 6:32 ).

8. her corner--where she was usually found.
went . . . house--implying, perhaps, confidence in himself by his manner, as denoted in the word
went--literally, "tread pompously."

9. The time, twilight, ending in darkness.
black . . . night--literally, "pupil," or, "eye," that is, middle of night.

10. attire--that of harlots was sometimes peculiar.
subtile--or, "wary," "cunning."

11, 12. loud--or, "noisy," "bustling."
stubborn--not submissive.
without . . . streets, . . . corner--(Compare 1 Timothy 5:13 , Titus 2:5 ).

13-15. The preparations for a feast do not necessarily imply peculiar religious professions. The offerer retained part of the victim for a feast ( Leviticus 3:9 , &c.). This feast she professes was prepared for him whom she boldly addresses as one sought specially to partake of it.

16, 17. my bed--or, "couch," adorned in the costliest manner.

17. bed--a place for sleeping.

18-20. There is no fear of discovery.

20. the day appointed--perhaps, literally, "a full moon," that is, a fortnight's time (compare Proverbs 7:19 ).

21. caused . . . yield--or, "inclines."
flattering--(Compare Proverbs 5:3 ).
forced him--by persuasion overcoming his scruples.

22. straightway--quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.

23. Till--He is now caught ( Proverbs 6:26 ).

24. The inferential admonition is followed ( Proverbs 7:26 Proverbs 7:27 ), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice.

26, 27. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.